98 Z71 AC system service after engine install

[inthechateau]

So crate 5.0 is in and running fantastic. Now I need to get this AC system back up to par. Going to vac it down and look for leaks. Been a while since I was into AC systems, any hints on how to locate leaks with out charging it first? I know it had a leak, the system was zero pressure when i went to pull engine out. Going to get a new dryer for sure to start, but how do you find leak sources in 134 systems with out pressure and freon?

 

[snyderman5]

if you can get it use nitrogen to pressurize the system. find your leak and you can vent the nitro. also replace the oriface tube in the condenser

 

[Blue 04 Z71]

Yupp what snyderman said nitrogen. Dont use compressed air because it contains moisture and you do not want that in the system.